TDEC to hold hazardous waste collection service in Unicoi County

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s mobile household hazardous waste collection service will be in Unicoi County on Saturday, Oct. 20, according to a news release from the department.

“Our goal is to provide a convenient and no-cost option for residents to responsibly dispose of hazardous material to help protect Tennessee’s waterways, land and air from impacts by these common items,” TDEC Commissioner Dr. Shari Meghreblian said in a news release.

The drop off location is at Unicoi County Highway Garage, 125 N. Industrial Drive, in Erwin from 8 a.m.-noon.

Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint (contact your local county solid waste department for latex and oil-based paint guidance), electronics and any empty containers that should be disposed in normal trash.

In addition to these annual events, Tennesseans can also dispose of expired or unwanted medications year-round through the Unwanted Household Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program. Permanent collection boxes are provided in every county and prevent prescription and over-the-counter medications from getting into the hands of vulnerable residents or into waterways. A map with all box locations can be found at tdeconline.tn.gov/rxtakeback.